L'acupression is a non-invasive form of acupuncture, achieved by applying physical pressure of hands, elbows, feet or devices to the same acupuncture points. It too is used in a wide variety of conditions including hayfever.

Both forms of treatment are based on the belief that the body’s energy or life force, known as Qi (pronounced chee) flows along the meridians and when it can’t flow freely, illness – for example hayfever – occurs. Stimulating the key pressure points by applying acupuncture or acupressure is believed to adjust and alter Qi, thus restoring the body’s natural balance.

L'acupressionbands are a relatively recent arrival on the market and are specifically designed for allergy. The Qu-Chi Acupressure Band, invented by an acupuncturist, holds a specially shaped button on the elbow, at the acupressure point used to help reduce allergy symptoms. Depuis le moment, ils appliquent une pression sur ce qu'on appelle Qu-Chi, le groupe tire son nom de ce point. Their particular benefit is that they allow patients to use acupressure themselves, without having to find a practitioner, so it’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way of trying it out. They are suitable for use by children and adults – except pregnant women. More information, including testimonials from customers, may be found on this website.

Possible side-effects from acupuncture Any side effects are extremely rare and, typically, short-lived. Those that have been reported include local pain, bleeding and/or bacterial infection where needles puncture the skin; infections in other parts of the body; somnolence; and worsening of pre-existing symptoms. Serious side effects have included accidental puncture of the lung; and viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver, but as stated above, these are extremely rare. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist.

Bien sĂ»r, just because there’s no formal, scientific evidence that acupressure can treat hay fever doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. It may well be worth trying, particularly if you are looking for a drug-free treatment or you’ve tried several other therapies and found nothing that works. But do be aware of the potential advantages and disadvantages – and the cost. Although National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the NHS rationing body, allows acupuncture treatment on the NHS, it only does so for persistent lower back pain, so if you want to use acupuncture or acupressure to treat your hay fever or other allergy, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Other than the small chance of side-effects, then, the only disadvantage of using acupuncture and acupressure to treat hay fever, it seems, is that they might not work. They should be safe if performed by a registered and fully trained practitioner. Le Site NHS advises anyone choosing to have acupuncture or acupressure to make sure that their practitioner is fully qualified and practises the treatment under safe and hygienic conditions.

The British Medical Acupuncture Society is a registered charity established to encourage the use and scientific understanding of acupuncture within medicine for the public benefit. Their website can be found by clicking ici